No sugarcoating here; going back to school as a single mother of a young child is hard. A transfer student to Rowan University who will earn her bachelor’s degree next year, Kaitlyn A. knows this first hand. To help others, here she shares her lived insight of what it’s like to return to school as a mom. She hopes this will help to support fellow mothers who are also in the trenches of parenting, attending school and working full time. You’ve got this, mommas.
What Returning to School Looks Like for a Mom of a Young Child
Being a mother, full-time worker, and college student at the same time can be draining and mentally exhausting. My days start with getting my son ready for school at 6:30 a.m. and typically end with submitting assignments at 11:59 p.m. My schedule is often complicated, eventful and overwhelming. I work and/or go to school six days a week, leaving one day to rest and recoup. But is it really a day to myself when I have a six-year-old boy at home?
Some days I feel like giving up, while others I feel like I’m on top of the world. It’s like sunshine on a rainy day. My life is chaotic and tiring, but also filled with such meaning, intense love and support.
I contemplated going back to school for a while, but with the limited time I had, it felt nearly impossible. Choosing the right school for me was challenging. I wanted the flexibility, the support and the chance to build a better opportunity for my family. As graduation approaches in a couple of semesters, I know I made the right decision.
Why Moms Going Back to School Need Flexibility
One of the best perks of attending Rowan University is the flexibility it offers.
I work in insurance and plan to continue in this field after graduation. The fall semester is usually difficult for me because that is my busy season for work.
However, this school offers a variety of online classes. There is no need for me to be on campus after a long day or find a babysitter during this hectic schedule. Online classes are typically asynchronous; hence, we have assignments due at the end of each week, but it’s easier to complete them after my son falls asleep.
During the spring semester, my work schedule is slightly more accommodating. That is when I take evening classes in person.
I’m able to work five days a week while still attending night classes on three of those days. It may be exhausting, but I know it’ll be worth it in the end.
Fortunately, I have significant support at home and at school, which leads me to my next point …
Moms Need a Strong Support System
I used to feel alone and hopeless. My parentswere significantly helpful, as they would babysit for me on days when I had classes. Many professors are also very understanding and give me the flexibility to make up work outside of class time when I need to adjust my schedule because of my parental duties. Other professors allow me to take my son to class.
Despite all the physical support I had, I never truly had friends to count on for emotional support. Rowan changed that.
I’ve met some wonderful people throughout the years, and learned from my mistakes with others. I’ve met other mothers on the same path, like-minded individuals in my classes, and most importantly, my best friend. She’s been my anchor throughout it all.
Just having someone to vent to when stressed is sometimes all I need. It’s simply a pleasant feeling to know that I’m not all alone in this experience.
It’s simply a pleasant feeling to know that I’m not all alone in this experience.
Making the Most of Every Growth Opportunity
Although I am already in my career field of interest, obtaining a degree will open more doors and possibilities for my future. I’m still young; what if my career doesn’t suit me later on? Having a degree felt necessary; I may really need a degree one day if I need, or want, a career pivot.
Having a degree can also lead to greater career advancement. Most positions in my field may not require a degree beyond the state license requirements; however, it is still beneficial to have a higher education.
Even just attending school has taught me personal and professional growth. Since enrolling at Rowan University, I’ve enhanced my communication, presentation, relationship-building, teamwork and networking skills.
Each class, each professor, and even other students, have taught me valuable resources and lessons that can be used in everyday life.
I’ve built the confidence and skills needed to succeed and excel in the real world.
Main Takeaways & Key Advice for Moms Returning to School
In summation, being a mother in college can feel like I’m stuck in quicksand. Nonetheless, it is also an accomplishment and a rewarding feeling. I want my son to look at me and be proud of me. I want him to know that I’m taking my education seriously, and that he should, too.
The reality is that it’s often challenging. It’s not an easy sacrifice.
The key is to:
Find a school that offers the best flexibility suited to your needs.
Build a support system, whether that be family, friends or even professors.
Focus on creating a better opportunity for you and your family.
It takes commitment, time, and perseverance, but it’s certainly a valuable experience.
About Rowan
Since its founding in 1923, Rowan University has evolved from a teacher preparation college to a public research institution ranked among the top 100 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Rowan University offers bachelor’s through doctoral degrees and professional certificates in person and online to nearly 25,000 students through its main campus in Glassboro and its eight other locations in southern New Jersey. Rowan focuses on practical research at the intersection of health care, engineering, science and business, while ensuring excellence in undergraduate education. The University has earned national recognition for innovation; commitment to high-quality, affordable education; and the development of public-private partnerships. A Carnegie-classified R2 (high research activity) institution, Rowan is the fastest-growing public research university in the Northeast and among the nation’s top 10 fastest-growing, as reported by The Chronicle of Higher Education. In 2025, Rowan opened New Jersey’s only veterinary school and is one of only two universities in the nation to offer M.D., D.O., and D.V.M. medical degrees.
